![\"IMG_0388\"](\"https:\/\/www.smart-union.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/03\/IMG_0388-300x225.jpg\")
On March 10, 2016, NJ Transit Vice President and General Manager R.M. Lavell\u00a0issued a notice to all NJ Transit employees represented by the Union Coalition. In\u00a0his notice Mr. Lavell states that in the event of a strike the Carrier will take the\u00a0following action: All existing positions will be suspended; all employees on sick\u00a0leave will no longer receive sick leave compensation; and all striking employees will have their insurance benefits discontinued effective the first day of the strike. NJ\u00a0Transit also submits an implied threat against Coalition represented probationary\u00a0employees.\nIt is apparent that NJ Transit\u2019s notice to the Coalition members represents\u00a0retaliatory action and harassment of the Coalition members. This draconian action\u00a0taken by NJ Transit while the Parties are engaged in the negotiation process\u00a0illustrates NJ Transits unreasonable position and unwillingness to reach an amiable\u00a0solution which is fair to both Parties.
\nThe Union Coalition has engaged in ongoing negotiations with NJ Transit with the\u00a0objective of reaching a settlement without the necessity of engaging in a strike.
\nTwo Presidential Emergency Boards have issued recommendations which are\u00a0consistent with the Coalition\u2019s proposals; and of which the Coalition has fully\u00a0agreed to comply with. Yet NJ Transit refuses to acknowledge these\u00a0recommendations and continues its assault on our members.
\nWe object to NJ Transit\u2019s conduct in this matter while the Parties are fully engaged\u00a0in the negotiating process. Such action on NJ Transit\u2019s part is counterproductive to\u00a0reaching an amiable solution through the negotiating process.<\/p>\n","protected":false,"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"html"}]},"excerpt":{"rendered":"